Freedom of Expression Tracker

Newsday journalist harassed by ZANU PF youths

Incident Ref:

ZW2010/17-2381

Incident category:

assaulted

Date of incident:

20 October 2017

Perpetrator / Facilitator:

Political Party

It is reported that Chidza along with other scribes had attended a press briefing by the ZANU PF Youth league, during whose course, Youth politburo secretary, Kudzai Chipanga made disparaging remarks about the private media working to destabilise the youth league.

MISA Stance:

MISA Zimbabwe reiterates its position that media freedom and freedom of expression rights are core to the practice of journalism. These rights are constitutionally guaranteed and must be respected.

Further, the protection of sources by journalists is also a constitutionally protected right that should be respected in equal measure since it is the lifeblood of the practise of the craft.

Politicians should not lightly interfere with journalistic enterprise for self-serving reasons of political expediency and should approach the Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe for redress if they have grievances or complaints that are content related. As we draw close to the impending 2018 elections, MISA Zimbabwe calls upon the political parties to reign in their structures and supporters against attacking the media while it discharges its professional duties.

We call upon the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to be vigilant in dealing with elements that harass the media without fear or favour.